ST PATRICK'S DAY
It's coming up again on Wednesday March 17th, and we are looking at town going green for the days leading up to, and including, St Patrick's Day again. We've had a bit of fun over the last couple of years dressing up not only the shop window for the best dressed window competition, but also staff, and the CBD has gone green with poles, seats and the occasional street light and tree also going green. It's on again this year, so pull out your leprechaun suit and we'll have a bit of fun downtown. May the luck of the Irish be with you.
CALL FOR STALLS
Downtown at the Beach Hop Warm Up Party on March 24th we will have sales and specials galore with all the shops in town, and we will also have a good mix of stalls to add to the flavour. If you would like to book a site, call Jenny on 863 9066, or call Brian at Go Waihi and we can start to get a list sorted. Remember we are after variety rather than doubling up on what our shops in town stock.
CREATIVE WAIHI
Workshops are currently being offered in pottery and pit firing, Maori art, design and carving, essential painting techniques and zinc etching and print making. They're all 6 week courses starting next week. For costs, times and other relevant information contact Toni at toni@creativewaihi.co.nz, or check their website, www.creativewaihi.co.nz.
USE IT & LOSE IT
If you would like to develop a healthy, active lifestyle and lose weight read on. Waihi's Sport N Action is kicking off 2010 with another of their very popular weight loss programmes the Biggest Loser, starting soon. Get in touch with Pauline about this now. Also the Monday walking group is underway and you are invited to join them. Meet at 9.30 at the Events Centre. Any fitness level is fine. For details, and for any other inquiries about sport and recreational activities in Waihi, phone 863 7295.
NEW BUSINESSES IN TOWN
It's always good to see this town progressing, offering more variety and broadening what we have available for locals and others. I'd like to say a warm welcome to Jamie and the team at Jamie's Appliance Services at the bottom of Seddon Street, who’ve just opened up selling pre-owned appliances.
PUT YOUR HAND UP
If you can help in any way with the Maori Wardens and their membership drive, now's the time to make contact. They get involved in quite a few events around the district and are currently looking for more volunteers. It's nothing too taxing and can be a bit of fun too. Call Bobbie on 863 9454 to find out more, or to put your name forward.
GOLD STORY UPGRADE
Downstairs in the Visitor Centre at the top of town you will find the Gold Story, a great asset to town with an overview of our gold mining history. It's an understatement that it's very popular, and now, with an upgrade the week before last, it's worth taking a look, even if you’ve seen it before. There's a birds eye view of Waihi, you can check out our Waihi walkways on the Waihi walking network, and there’s been an upgrade of our iconic Cornish Pumphouse exhibition, showing the Teflon pad, concrete and stainless steel it slid along when it was moved. There's still more, so call in and have a look. It took a bit longer than expected, but the result is definitely worth it. Well done to those involved with the latest additions.
HEART OF GOLD BROCHURES
The new version of the very popular Heart Of Gold brochure is off the printing press and is now being distributed. Many thanks to all those involved in its creation. Make sure you get a copy and support the businesses that have advertised in this brochure - they are not only promoting their business but also the town. It's also a good thing to refer family, friends and business acquaintances that are visiting.
COP THIS
OK, a bit of a cliché, but Community Constable Holly Warner would like to let you know that she’s going to base herself at Waihi Memorial Hall each Friday from 10am to noon, so you can catch up informally and have a chat about anything in a convivial environment.
MARTHA'S BACK
Every month on the third Saturday, the Martha Market is in town. The Waihi Memorial Hall is full of stalls, and they spill out up and down Seddon and Haszard Streets as well. What isn't there? If you have got something and would like to book a space, call Jenny on 863 9066. Remember, Waihi Beach School Year 6 is fundraising for a camp by running the kitchen with a great variety of delicious food.
BLUE LIGHT NEWSFLASH
Police Blue Light encourages better relations between young people, their parents, the community and the police. They hold a variety of events aimed at young adults in the district, from fishing trips to skateboard and basketball days. Waihi Police are looking at re-establishing Blue Light in Waihi. Whether you can help with planning and organising events, or assist with funding applications, they'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with Youth Aid Officer Sterling Huett or Constable Doris Silvester at Waihi Police on 863 8179.
TRANSITION TOWN WAIHI
You may notice less leaves blowing and lying around town as they are collected and composted by groups involved in this like UTHXL and the Waihi College Special Needs Unit, all ready for reusing in spring hopefully. It's called recycling, and is all part of the bigger picture these folk want to spread the word about so we can look after this planet of ours a little better. It's great to see Newmont Waihi Gold supporting this venture with not only pallets and the like, but also somewhere to let the leaves mulch down. If you would like to get on board or find out more, contact us and we will happily pass on their contact details.
WACMA UPDATE
Waihi Arts Centre and Museum in Kenny St is currently open from 10am to 4pm Thursdays to Sundays. They would like to extend these hours, and are looking for more volunteers. Whether it's helping at the front desk or as a 'Friend of the Museum', arranging exhibitions or with recording family histories, all offers would be gratefully accepted. To find out more please phone the museum on 863 8386 anytime.
GARDENS ON SHOW
If you've got a garden you're proud of, and you wouldn't mind others coming to have a look at it, then there's a group of like minded folk in Waihi who would love to hear from you. They’re after more gardens for visitors to look at around the region. Contact Kathy on 863 9034 and have a chat.
COMMUNITY GYM?
Sport N Action Waihi's putting together a proposal to present to Council to establish a community gym at the Event Centre, providing gym facilities, exercise classes and personal training options. For more information, and to let them know your thoughts, contact Pauline on 863 7295.
AIM, FOCUS, SHOOT
I’d like some more photos of our region that depict where we are, who we are and what makes us different to other parts of the country. Some winter and spring shots would add even more flavour to what’s already there. Don't get too serious, just shots of the beach and bushwalks, the land, the town and the surrounds. Best thing is to send them in and let me have a look. Don’t be shy, you never know, it might appear on our website - name withheld if you prefer, just let me know. It helps keep the photo gallery fresh through the different seasons.